Orchard Park, N.Y. (WBEN) - With a week before the official ribbon cutting to commemorate the substantial completion of the new Highmark Stadium along Abbott Road, crews went to work Tuesday erecting the new bison statue that will center Family Circle at the North end of the facility.
The first element of the statue that arrived Tuesday was the 12-foot tall calf that's planned to go along with a 22-foot tall cow and a 27-foot tall bull. This is meant to symbolize family and be reflective of the strength of the Buffalo and Western New York community.
Several Buffalo Bills fans made the trek to Orchard Park on Tuesday in order to catch a glimpse of the first bison statue going in, which drew several positive reviews.
"I see they're putting the little one in, I know eventually they're going to put the bigger one in. But very excited to see it all come together as we get closer to the season," said A.J. from Pittsburgh. "When you first saw the plans come together on social media and the website, it's definitely looking how it's supposed to look. I'm very excited."
"It's gonna be amazing. Just looking at that one from from a distance, it's beautiful," added Barney from Illinois. "Looking forward to seeing the larger bison or buffalo, whatever you want to call it. Definitely beautiful."
As fans got the opportunity to see the new bison statue put in place outside the new stadium, several of them couldn't help but revel in the excitement of the facility soon to open for Bills fans around the globe.
"It's pretty impressive. It's a lot different than I've seen at different stages of the construction. It's nice to see where it is," said David from Buffalo. "I didn't know what to expect. It surprises me, it's just amazing."
A little more than three years ago, crews were in the very early stages of construction, removing dirt and shale in order to prepare for the concrete and steel to start taking shape on site. Many fans still can't believe how time has flown to the point where the stadium will be opening in a matter of days.
"I was just thinking, we were here two years ago, and it wasn't even close to being like this. But now it's basically done. It's just crazy how fast they work," said Jackson from Iowa.
"It's amazing. It's been so cool to see in the last three years, coming to games and slowly see it being built," AJ. added. "Especially last season, by Week 18, we were almost still seeing just a little bit. Now coming back, this is the first time back since going to the last game and seeing it being almost fully completed, it's phenomenal."
Even Eric "Hammer" Matwijow, owner of Hammer's Lot next door, can sense the excitement from Bills fans, knowing how close the stadium is to seeing game action in a matter of weeks.
"I do post out on X and on Facebook pictures, because I know a lot of people aren't in the area and I get a lot of positive feedback. They can't wait for opening season," said Matwijow in an interview with WBEN. "I like to wait for June and July, over into August so we can enjoy the nice summer weather, but the excitement is being pumped up, just to come over here to see the new stadium. Of course, some people are a little heartbroken with the old stadium coming down, but everything moves on, it's changed. There's definitely excitement in the air."
So what are Bills fans most excited to experience when the stadium opens for game action?
"Seeing the video about how loud it's going to be in here and the vibe that we're going to show to people on TV about what Buffalo, New York is about and what Bills games are really about, I can't wait to for everyone to see it on live TV in national prime-time games," A.J. said.
"Definitely just the environment. They put some crazy technology in where the sound stays in the stadium, so it's going to be crazy loud in there. I feel like it's just going to be a really cool experience," Jackson echoed.
The stadium is expected to host its first football-related event on Aug. 8 with the annual "Return of the Blue and Red" intrasquad scrimmage.
The regular season home opener is set for Sept. 17 when the Bills will host the Detroit Lions in prime-time on "Thursday Night Football".
New Highmark Stadium construction - June 16, 2026
Brayton J. Wilson - WBEN
Orchard Park, N.Y. - Crews put the finishing touches with installing the first bison statue in front of the new Highmark Stadium, home of the Buffalo Bills, on June 16, 2026. The state-of-the-art facility along Abbott Road is set for ribbon cutting next Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
